Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

These Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta are not just a dish; they’re an experience. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive gatherings, this recipe combines the warm flavors of butternut squash, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Each roll is enveloped in a velvety béchamel sauce, making these roll ups a delightful vegetarian option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: The sweet and nutty taste of butternut squash captures the essence of fall.
• Visual Appeal: These lasagna roll ups present beautifully, making them perfect for impressing guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create a gourmet dish in under an hour.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Vegetarian Delight: A hearty meal that satisfies without meat, perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13” or 8×14”)
• Spatula
• Rimmed baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your filling ingredients without spills.
• Saucepan: Ensures even heating while preparing the creamy béchamel sauce for your roll ups.
• Baking dish: Perfectly holds all your lasagna roll ups together as they bake to delicious perfection.

Ingredients

For the Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta, gather the following ingredients:

For the Lasagna Roll Ups

• 1 package lasagna noodles (can use gluten-free – should only need 15-16 noodles, but many will break apart during cooking)
• 1 cup mashed butternut squash (or a can of pumpkin purée)
• 1¼ cup ricotta, (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped sage (plus more for serving)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2-3 cups milk (warm)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ⅛ tsp grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 large sage leaves
• 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
• A handful of fresh sage leaves
• Neutral oil

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them carefully and lay flat on a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 cup butternut squash purée
2. ¾ cup ricotta cheese
3. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1 egg
5. 2 Tbsp finely chopped sage
6. 1 tsp Kosher salt
7. ¼ tsp black pepper

Stir until well mixed. If too thick to spread, add remaining ½ cup ricotta cheese.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt 4 Tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted:
1. Add 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk until it turns light golden brown (about 3 minutes).
2. Quickly whisk in 2–3 cups of warm milk.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer; continue whisking for another 3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low; add sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves, cooking until thick and smooth (about 8–10 minutes).
5. Stir in remaining ingredients:
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan,
– ⅛ tsp nutmeg,
– pinch of cayenne,
– Kosher salt,
– freshly cracked black pepper.

Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F. On your cutting board:
1. Lay out as many lasagna noodles as fit.
2. Spread about 2–3 Tbsp of filling on each noodle using a spatula or spoon.
3. Sprinkle each noodle with about 1–2 Tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Roll each noodle from bottom to top gently and set aside.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups

Discard any fresh sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves if used earlier:
1. Pour half of the béchamel sauce evenly into a greased baking dish.
2. Place roll ups in the pan — lying flat or standing on their sides based on preference.
3. Drizzle remaining béchamel sauce over them and sprinkle any leftover mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve!

Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and black pepper if desired, then garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving!

Optional Step: Fried Sage Leaves

For crispy sage leaves:
1. Heat neutral oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sage leaves in batches; cook for about 20–30 seconds until bubbles subside.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; season lightly with Kosher salt before serving alongside your rolls.

Enjoy your delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

These Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups are delicious and versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes will balance the richness of the lasagna.
• Caesar Salad: This classic option adds a crunchy texture and bold flavors that complement the creamy filling.

Add Garlic Bread

• Traditional Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices topped with garlic butter make for an irresistible side.
• Garlic Knots: Soft and chewy, these knots are perfect for dipping into the béchamel sauce.

Drizzle with Extra Sauce

• More Béchamel: A generous drizzle of béchamel over the top elevates the dish and keeps it moist.
• Sage Butter Sauce: A simple sage-infused butter can add depth to the flavors of the roll ups.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Additional Sage Leaves: Use either whole leaves or finely chopped sage to enhance the fall flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

Achieving the perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a success.

• Choose the Right Noodles: Use high-quality lasagna noodles; gluten-free options work just as well but check cooking times.
• Season Your Filling Well: Taste your filling before rolling it up. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook pasta until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven and prevent sogginess.
• Layer Smartly: Ensure even distribution of filling and cheese for consistent flavors in every bite.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the roll ups to sit for about 10 minutes post-baking helps them set up nicely, making serving easier.
• Experiment with Cheese Blends: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese in your filling or topping for a unique flavor twist.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

When serving Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups, pairing them with complementary sides enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes mixed with roasted garlic provide comfort alongside your roll ups.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender sprouts seasoned simply can bring a delightful crunch to your plate.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh green element that balances richness well.
4. Caprese Salad Skewers: Skewers featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes make for an easy, colorful appetizer.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles can be served as a low-carb alternative next to lasagna roll ups.
6. Carrot and Celery Sticks: Crunchy vegetables provide a refreshing contrast when served raw alongside rich dishes like lasagna.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Overcooked Noodles: Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooked al dente. Overcooked noodles can break easily and make assembly difficult.
• Skipping the Sage: Sage adds depth to your filling and sauce. Don’t skip it; fresh or dried sage enhances the flavor significantly.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: Pay attention to your bécchicken hamel sauce thickness. Too thick makes it hard to spread, while too thin may not hold the roll-ups together.
• Not Layering Properly: Be sure to layer enough filling and cheese in each noodle. Skimping on these ingredients can lead to bland roll ups.
• Rushing the Baking Time: Allowing sufficient time for baking is crucial. Undercooking can result in a runny filling, while overcooking can dry out the dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese in Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.

What is the best way to prepare butternut squash?

You can roast, steam, or boil butternut squash until tender before mashing it for your filling.

Can I make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking.

How do I know when my roll ups are done baking?

Look for bubbling sauce and golden cheese on top. The edges of the pasta should also be slightly crispy.

Are these lasagna roll ups vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! These Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta are a delicious vegetarian option suitable for many diets.

Final Thoughts

These Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta are not just visually stunning but also bursting with fall flavors. They offer great versatility; you can customize fillings and sauces according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and you may just find a new family favorite!